£3.5m boost for new train station

Liz Gallacher

Plans for a new railway station for Robroyston have been given a £3.5 million boost from the Scottish Government.

The new station proposals, which include a park and ride car park, are designed to provide local residents with a sustainable travel option, as well as catering for additional future demand from the 1600 new households planned for the Robroyston area.

The Scottish Government has committed to meet 50% of the station`s currently estimated construction costs – over £7 million – through the Scottish Stations Fund.

The remainder is expected to be met by the scheme promoters Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT), Glasgow City Council, and private developers.

A Scottish Government spokesman said the investment reaffirms the Scottish Government’s commitment to investing in Scotland`s railways, ensuring that more people are able to access the rail network.

Minister for Transport, Humza Yousaf said: “I am very pleased to announce this substantial funding package for a new station for Robroyston.

“This is a significant announcement, with Robroyston the first new station project to be funded by the Scottish Stations Fund, which was introduced to improve and increase access to rail across Scotland.

“This announcement highlights the Scottish Government`s continued investment in rail infrastructure and services to better connect our communities and support sustainable economic growth and jobs across the country, with £5 billion of funding for infrastructure and services committed to 2019.

“Demand for rail travel continues to boom with over 94 million journeys made on the ScotRail passenger network last year. Today`s announcement demonstrates our commitment to meeting this demand and brings the prospect of a new station for the people of Robroyston one step closer to reality.”